Swimming is a non-weight bearing form of exercise that can be enjoyable and promote physical fitness. This qualitative study investigated a local group established as part of a national dementia swimming initiative. Semi-structured interviews with people with dementia (N=4), carers or companions (N=4) and the organisers and facilitators of the group (N=6) were analysed using thematic analysis. This revealed four main themes: (1) the pleasure of swimming and its benefits as a form of exercise and for building confidence and empowering participants; (2) the importance of insight and empathy in creating a safe and secure experience; (3) the burden impact of dementia; and (4) how participants valued being part of a group 'all in the same boat'. 'Dementia friendly swimming' appears to be a valuable form of exercise but it requires considerable preparation and support to make it happen.
KeywordsSwimming, dementia, dementia friendly, exercise, people with dementia Exercise interventions for people living with dementia have attracted increasing interest. Several of these have been shown to be beneficial, including walking, dance and football (Malthouse and Fox, 2014, Guzmán-García, Mukaetova-Ladinska and James et al., 2013, Carone, Tischler and Dening et al., 2016. Swimming offers a non-weight bearing activity which can improve physical fitness and reduce strain on joints compared to landbased exercise. For many people, including those with dementia, swimming will be also be a familiar activity associated with happy memories and thus it may be a very suitable form of exercise (Henwood, Neville, Baguley, Clifton and Beattie et al., 2015). There has been limited research around swimming and dementia, with just one recent controlled trial (Henwood, Neville, Baguley and BeattieHenwood et al., 2017). This study investigated a 12-week programme for residents of care homes and reported modest effects in slowing muscle weakness and behavioural and psychological symptoms.
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